RESUMEN

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the convergence of genetic, immunological, and viral elements resulting in a complex interaction of both internal and external factors. The role of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human endogenous retroviruses (HERV-E) as triggers and maintenance elements in the pathogenesis of SLE has been widely recognized. Previous studies have independently evaluated the effects of EBV and HERV-E in this disease. In this work, for the first time, these viral factors are jointly investigated in SLE patients. This study aimed at assessing the differential expression of immune regulatory genes and the incidence of specific viral pathogens (EBV and HERV-E), alongside the detailed characterization of surface markers in T- and B-lymphocytes in patients with SLE and control participants. A comparative analysis between patients with SLE and control participants was performed, evaluating the expression of phenotypic markers and genes involved in the immune response (TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFNG, TLR3), as well as HERV-E gag and EBV viral genes (LMP1 and BZLF1).A significant association between SLE and EBV was found in this study. A notable increase in EBV LMP1 gene expression was observed in patients with SLE . Also, a significant overexpression of HERV-E was observed, in addition to a considerable increase in the distribution of the cell surface marker CD27 + on T- and B-lymphocytes, observed in individuals with SLE compared to the control group. This study provides evidence regarding the role that EBV virus plays in lymphocytes in the context of SLE, highlighting how both the virus and the host gene expression may influence disease pathogenesis by altering immune regulatory pathways mediated by TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10, as well as parallel overexpression of HERV-E gag. The decrease in TLR3 could indicate a compromised antiviral response, which could facilitate viral reactivation and contribute to disease activity.

Asunto(s)

Retrovirus Endógenos , Herpesvirus Humano 4 , Leucocitos Mononucleares , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/genética , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Retrovirus Endógenos/genética , Herpesvirus Humano 4/inmunología , Herpesvirus Humano 4/genética , Adulto , Femenino , Masculino , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/virología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/inmunología , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/virología , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/genética , Persona de Mediana Edad , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Linfocitos B/virología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Linfocitos T/inmunología , Citocinas/metabolismo , Citocinas/genética

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of positive CMV antigenemia (CMV-Ag) in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) and to describe the outcomes of these patients. METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2014, a total of 443 patients with AIRD were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data, current clinical manifestations, organs affected by CMV infection, therapeutic management and outcomes were evaluated. The CMV-Ag was considered positive when one cell was detected at least. RESULTS: CMV-Ag was requested in 70 (15.8%) patients with suspicious CMV infection and was positive in 24 (34.3%). The incidence rate of positive CMV-Ag was 4.97% (95% CI 3.1-7.4%). Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (59%), followed by ANCA-related vasculitis (18.2%) and rheumatoid arthritis (9%) were the diseases more associated with positive CMV-Ag. At the time of CMV infection, SLE patients had moderate to severe disease activity, with high frequency of positive anti-dsDNA antibody (69.2%) and complement consumption (61.5%), as well as high doses of corticosteroids and use of immunosuppressants. The main CMV sites involved were lung (45.5%), bone marrow (40.9%) and gut (27.3%). Mortality rate was 45.5%, especially in those with higher doses of daily oral corticosteroids (107 ± 55.4 mg vs. 71.7 ± 46.3 mg; p = 0.07) and lower number of lymphocytes (309 ± 368.2/mm3 vs. 821 ± 692.9/mm3; p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed high incidence of CMV-Ag in AIRD patients, particularly those with SLE and greater disease severity. In addition, it was observed high mortality in these patients, highlighting the CMV infection should be included in differential diagnosis.

Asunto(s)

Vasculitis Asociada a Anticuerpos Citoplasmáticos Antineutrófilos/inmunología , Antígenos Virales/sangre , Artritis Reumatoide/inmunología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Adolescente , Corticoesteroides/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Anciano , Vasculitis Asociada a Anticuerpos Citoplasmáticos Antineutrófilos/tratamiento farmacológico , Vasculitis Asociada a Anticuerpos Citoplasmáticos Antineutrófilos/mortalidad , Vasculitis Asociada a Anticuerpos Citoplasmáticos Antineutrófilos/virología , Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Reumatoide/mortalidad , Artritis Reumatoide/virología , Médula Ósea/inmunología , Médula Ósea/virología , Brasil/epidemiología , Femenino , Granulomatosis con Poliangitis/inmunología , Granulomatosis con Poliangitis/virología , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico , Intestinos/inmunología , Intestinos/virología , Pulmón/inmunología , Pulmón/virología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/mortalidad , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fiebre Reumática/inmunología , Fiebre Reumática/virología , Factores de Tiempo , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects women, characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Its causal agent is unknown, but the combination of environmental, hormonal and genetic factors may favor the development of the disease. Parvovirus B19 has been associated with the development of SLE, since it induces the production of anti-single stranded DNA antibodies. It is unknown whether PV-B19 infection is an environmental factor that trigger or reactivate SLE in the Mexican Mayan population. AIM: A preliminary serological and molecular study of PV-B19 infection in Mayan women with established SLE was done. METHODS: IgG and IgM anti PV-B19 were evaluated in 66 SLE patients and 66 control subjects, all women of Mayan origin. Viral DNA and viral load were analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS: Insignificant levels of IgM were observed in 14.3% (4/28) of the patients and 11.4% (4/35) of control subjects. IgG was detected in 82.1% (23/28) of the patients and 82.9% (29/35) of control subjects, but were significantly higher in patients. Viral DNA was found in 86.0% (57/66) of the patients and 81.0% (54/66) of control subjects. Viral load, quantified in 28/66 patients and 31/66 controls which were positive for IgM and IgG, was significantly higher in controls. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of PV-B19 in Yucatan, and the presence of IgM, IgG, and viral load in Mayan women with established SLE suggest that PV-B19 infection could be an environmental factor to trigger or reactivate SLE.

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ANTECEDENTES: Lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad sistemica autoinmune que afecta principalmente a las mujeres, caracterizada por la producción de autoanticuerpos. El agente causaal es desconocido. Pero la combinación de factores ambientales, hormonales y genéticos podría favorecer el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El parvovirus B19 se asoció con el desarrollo de LES, debido a que induce la producción de anticuerpos anti-cadena simple de DNA. Es desconocido si la infección PV-B19 es un factor ambiental que desencadena o reactiva LES en la población mexicana Maya. OBJETIVO: Se realizó un estudio serológico y molecular preliminar de la infección de PV-B19 en mujeres Mayas con LES. MÉTODOS: Se evaluó IgG and IgM anti PV-B19 en 66 pacientes con LES y 66 controles sanos, todas las mujeres fueron de origen Maya. DNAViral y la carga viral fueron analizadas por qPCR. RESULTADOS: Se determinaron niveles insignificantes de IgM en el 14.3% (4/28) de las pacientes y en el 11.4% (4/35) de los controles. IgG se detectó en el 82.1% (23/28) de los pacients y en el 82.9% (29/35) de los controles. Hubo un alta significancia en los pacientes con LES. DNA viral se encontró en el 86.0% (57/66) de los pacientes y en el 81.0% (54/66) de los controles. La carga viral se cuantifico en 28/66 pacientes y en 31/66 de los controles, la cual fueron positivos para IgM e IgG; fue significativamente mas alta en los controles. CONCLUSIÓN: La alta prevalencia de PV-B19 en Yucatan y la presencia de IgM, IgG y una carga viral en mujeres Mayas con LES sugiere que la infección con PV-B19 poria ser un factor ambiental que desencadene o reactive el LES.

Asunto(s)

Indígenas Norteamericanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Infecciones por Parvoviridae/complicaciones , Parvovirus B19 Humano , Adulto , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , ADN Viral/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Indígenas Norteamericanos/etnología , Indígenas Norteamericanos/genética , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/etnología , México/etnología , Infecciones por Parvoviridae/diagnóstico , Parvovirus B19 Humano/genética , Parvovirus B19 Humano/inmunología , Carga Viral

RESUMEN

Abstract Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that mainly affects women, characterized by the production of autoantibodies. Its causal agent is unknown, but the combination of environmental, hormonal and genetic factors may favor the development of the disease. Parvovirus B19 has been associated with the development of SLE, since it induces the production of anti-single stranded DNA antibodies. It is unknown whether PV-B19 infection is an environmental factor that trigger or reactivate SLE in the Mexican Mayan population. Aim: A preliminary serological and molecular study of PV-B19 infection in Mayan women with established SLE was done. Methods: IgG and IgM anti PV-B19 were evaluated in 66 SLE patients and 66 control subjects, all women of Mayan origin. Viral DNA and viral load were analyzed by qPCR. Results: Insignificant levels of IgM were observed in 14.3% (4/28) of the patients and 11.4% (4/35) of control subjects. IgG was detected in 82.1% (23/28) of the patients and 82.9% (29/35) of control subjects, but were significantly higher in patients. Viral DNA was found in 86.0% (57/66) of the patients and 81.0% (54/66) of control subjects. Viral load, quantified in 28/66 patients and 31/66 controls which were positive for IgM and IgG, was significantly higher in controls. Conclusion: The high prevalence of PV-B19 in Yucatan, and the presence of IgM, IgG, and viral load in Mayan women with established SLE suggest that PV-B19 infection could be an environmental factor to trigger or reactivate SLE.

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Resumen Antecedentes: Lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad sistemica autoinmune que afecta principalmente a las mujeres, caracterizada por la producción de autoanticuerpos. El agente causaal es desconocido. Pero la combinación de factores ambientales, hormonales y genéticos podría favorecer el desarrollo de la enfermedad. El parvovirus B19 se asoció con el desarrollo de LES, debido a que induce la producción de anticuerpos anti-cadena simple de DNA. Es desconocido si la infección PV-B19 es un factor ambiental que desencadena o reactiva LES en la población mexicana Maya. Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio serológico y molecular preliminar de la infección de PV-B19 en mujeres Mayas con LES. Métodos: Se evaluó IgG and IgM anti PV-B19 en 66 pacientes con LES y 66 controles sanos, todas las mujeres fueron de origen Maya. DNAViral y la carga viral fueron analizadas por qPCR. Resultados: Se determinaron niveles insignificantes de IgM en el 14.3% (4/28) de las pacientes y en el 11.4% (4/35) de los controles. IgG se detectó en el 82.1% (23/28) de los pacients y en el 82.9% (29/35) de los controles. Hubo un alta significancia en los pacientes con LES. DNA viral se encontró en el 86.0% (57/66) de los pacientes y en el 81.0% (54/66) de los controles. La carga viral se cuantifico en 28/66 pacientes y en 31/66 de los controles, la cual fueron positivos para IgM e IgG; fue significativamente mas alta en los controles. Conclusión: La alta prevalencia de PV-B19 en Yucatan y la presencia de IgM, IgG y una carga viral en mujeres Mayas con LES sugiere que la infección con PV-B19 poria ser un factor ambiental que desencadene o reactive el LES

Asunto(s)

Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Indígenas Norteamericanos , Parvovirus B19 Humano , Infecciones por Parvoviridae/complicaciones , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , ADN Viral/sangre , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Indígenas Norteamericanos/etnología , Indígenas Norteamericanos/genética , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Parvovirus B19 Humano/genética , Parvovirus B19 Humano/inmunología , Infecciones por Parvoviridae/diagnóstico , Carga Viral , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/etnología , México/etnología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre

RESUMEN

Objectives Our objective was to study the incidence, persistence and clearance of human papillomavirus infection in systemic lupus erythematosus women and assess risk factors for persistence of human papillomavirus infection. Methods We carried out a prospective, observational cohort study of 127 systemic lupus erythematosus women. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at three years. Traditional and systemic lupus erythematosus women-related disease risk factors were collected. Gynaecological evaluations and cervical cytology screening were made. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were made by polymerase chain reaction and linear array. Results The cumulative prevalence of human papillomavirus infection increased from 22.8% at baseline to 33.8% at three years; p = < 0.001: 20.1% of patients experienced 43 incident infections. The risk of any human papillomavirus infection was 10.1 per 1000 patient-months. At three years, 47 (88.6%) prevalent infections were cleared. Independent risk factors associated with incident human papillomavirus infection included more lifetime sexual partners (odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.11-3.0) and cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (odds ratio = 3.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.2-12.8). Conclusions In systemic lupus erythematosus women, the cumulative prevalence of human papillomavirus infection, including high risk-human papillomavirus and multiple human papillomavirus infections, may increase over time. Most persistent infections were low risk-human papillomavirus. The number of lifetime sexual partners and the cumulative cyclophosphamide dose were independently associated with incident human papillomavirus infection.

Asunto(s)

Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Papillomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Adulto , Ciclofosfamida/efectos adversos , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/efectos adversos , Incidencia , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/epidemiología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/mortalidad , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Papillomaviridae/genética , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/virología , Prevalencia , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Parejas Sexuales , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/epidemiología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/patología , Frotis Vaginal/métodos

RESUMEN

Herpes zoster infection was significantly more often observed in children (10%, N = 362) than in adults (4%, N = 1830). At herpes zoster infection diagnosis, disease activity score (8 vs. 3, P = 0.002) was higher in children, and fever (43% vs. 12%, P < 0.0001), nephritis (45% vs. 25%, P = 0.038), anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies (76% vs. 15%, P < 0.0001) and low C4 (48% vs. 22%, P = 0.017) were more often observed in children versus adults. Post herpetic neuralgia was less common in children than adults (3% vs. 24%, P =0.005).

Asunto(s)

Herpes Zóster , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico , Adulto , Niño , Herpes Zóster/complicaciones , Herpes Zóster/epidemiología , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/epidemiología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

Our objective was to evaluate whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with cervical human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in women with SLE. This is a cross-sectional study of 67 women with SLE. A structured questionnaire was administered to ascertain the possible risk factors associated with cervical HPV infection. A gynaecological evaluation and cervical cytology screening were made. HPV detection and genotyping was made by PCR and linear array assay. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels were quantified by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Mean age and disease duration were 44.8 ± 10.6 and 42.5 ± 11.8 years, respectively. Demographic characteristics were similar in patients with and without deficiency (<20 ng/ml and ≥20 ng/ml). There were 28.4% of women with cervical HPV infection and 68.4% had high-risk HPV infections. Patients with 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels <20 ng/ml had a higher prevalence of cervical HPV infection than those with levels ≥20 ng/ml (30.7% vs. 25.8%; p = 0.72). We found no significant difference when high-risk HPV infection was evaluated (36.8% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.73). In conclusion, women with SLE have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and cervical HPV infection. However, we found no association between vitamin D deficiency and cervical HPV.

Asunto(s)

Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/sangre , Enfermedades del Cuello del Útero/sangre , Enfermedades del Cuello del Útero/virología , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Inmunoensayo/métodos , Estudios Longitudinales , Persona de Mediana Edad , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/sangre , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Frotis Vaginal/métodos , Vitamina D/sangre , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/sangre , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/virología , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/sangre , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/virología

RESUMEN

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus developed interstitial lung disease initially felt to be a manifestation of the disease but that, on further workup, proved to be a manifestation of cytomegalic disease resistant to ganciclovir. Treatment with foscarnet was associated with prompt improvement.

Asunto(s)

Citomegalovirus/metabolismo , Ganciclovir/farmacología , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/complicaciones , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/virología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/tratamiento farmacológico , Neumonía/virología , Antivirales/farmacología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/diagnóstico , Femenino , Humanos , Terapia de Inmunosupresión , Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Lupus Vulgar/tratamiento farmacológico , Lupus Vulgar/patología , Lupus Vulgar/virología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neumonía/complicaciones , Neumonía/diagnóstico , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of SLE activity to the avidity of IgG anti-EBV immune globulins. METHODS: Peripheral blood of 66 patients was analyzed, 22 had active SLE and 44 had inactive SLE. Presence and avidity index of IgG anti-EBV antibodies were determined by the ELISA method (Enzygnost anti-EBV/IgG - Dade Behring). RESULTS: IgG anti-EBV test was positive for 21 (95.5%) patients in the active SLE group and 40 (90.9%) in the inactive group. The avidity index was 40 for 54 (88.5%) patients of which 34 (85%) belonged to the inactive SLE group and 20 (95.2%) to the active group. For 5 (12.5%) inactive SLE patients, the avidity index reached values ranging from 20 to 40; while for only 2 (3.3%) patients this index was lower than 20. Adopting 20, 30 or 40 as a cutoff point of the avidity index for diagnosis of reactivation of the EBV infection, the author classified as having reactivated infection, for active and inactive SLE groups, respectively: 1 (4.8%) x 1 (2.5%) patient; 1 (4.8%) x 4 (10%) patients and 1 (4.8%) x 5 (12.5%) patients. CONCLUSION: Association between EBV activity and SLE was not demonstrated. This appears to indicate that persistence of infected B lymphocytes may be due to failure in the apoptosis mechanism or to the action of T cytotoxic lymphocytes, permitting evolution of SLE.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Antígenos Virales/sangre , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/inmunología , Herpesvirus Humano 4/inmunología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Adulto , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Apoptosis/inmunología , Biomarcadores , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/complicaciones , Antígenos Nucleares del Virus de Epstein-Barr/inmunología , Femenino , Herpesvirus Humano 4/fisiología , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Masculino , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/virología , Activación Viral/inmunología

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades Autoinmunes , Hepatitis C Crónica , Síndrome Antifosfolípido/fisiopatología , Síndrome Antifosfolípido/virología , Artritis Reumatoide/fisiopatología , Artritis Reumatoide/virología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/fisiopatología , Enfermedades Autoinmunes/virología , Hepacivirus/genética , Hepacivirus/patogenicidad , Hepatitis C Crónica/inmunología , Hepatitis C Crónica/fisiopatología , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/fisiopatología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , México , Síndrome de Sjögren/fisiopatología , Síndrome de Sjögren/virología

RESUMEN

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre a atividade do lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e a avidez das imunoglobulinas IgG anti-EBV. MÉTODOS: Analisou-se o sangue periférico de 66 pacientes distribuídos em dois grupos: 22 pacientes com LES em atividade e 44 pacientes com doença inativa. A presença e o índice de avidez de anticorpos IgG anti-EBV foram determinados pela técnica ELISA. (Enzygnost anti-EBV - Dade Behring). RESULTADOS: Identificou-se positividade no teste de detecção de IgG para EBV em 21 (95,5 por cento) pacientes do grupo LES ativo e em 40 (90,9 por cento) do grupo LES inativo. O índice de avidez alcançou valores 40 em 54 (88,5 por cento) pacientes, sendo 34 (85 por cento) do grupo LES inativo e 20 (95,2 por cento) do grupo LES ativo; em cinco (12,5 por cento) pacientes do grupo LES inativo, este índice ficou entre 20 e 40 e foi inferior a 20 em dois (3,3 por cento) pacientes. Adotando-se 20, 30 ou 40 como ponto de corte do índice de avidez, para diagnóstico de reativação da infecção por EBV, foram classificados como infecção reativada, nos grupos LES ativo e inativo, respectivamente: 1 (4,8 por cento) x 5 (12,5 por cento) pacientes, 1 (4,8 por cento) x 4 (10 por cento) pacientes e 1 (4,8 por cento) x 5 (12,5 por cento) pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: No presente estudo, não foi demonstrada associação entre a atividade do LES e a reativação do EBV. Esse fato parece indicar que a não eliminação dos linfócitos B infectados se deve à falha no mecanismo de apoptose ou à ação de linfócitos T citotóxicos, permitindo assim a progressão do LES.

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OBJECTIVE: To verify the association of SLE activity to the avidity of IgG anti-EBV immune globulins. METHODS: Peripheral blood of 66 patients was analyzed, 22 had active SLE and 44 had inactive SLE. Presence and avidity index of IgG anti-EBV antibodies were determined by the ELISA method (Enzygnost® anti-EBV/IgG - Dade Behring). RESULTS: IgG anti-EBV test was positive for 21 (95.5 percent) patients in the active SLE group and 40 (90.9 percent) in the inactive group. The avidity index was 40 for 54 (88.5 percent) patients of which 34 (85 percent) belonged to the inactive SLE group and 20 (95.2 percent) to the active group. For 5 (12.5 percent) inactive SLE patients, the avidity index reached values ranging from 20 to 40; while for only 2 (3.3 percent) patients this index was lower than 20. Adopting 20, 30 or 40 as a cutoff point of the avidity index for diagnosis of reactivation of the EBV infection, the author classified as having reactivated infection, for active and inactive SLE groups, respectively: 1 (4.8 percent) x 1 (2.5 percent) patient; 1 (4.8 percent) x 4 (10 percent) patients and 1 (4.8 percent) x 5 (12.5 percent) patients. CONCLUSION: Association between EBV activity and SLE was not demonstrated. This appears to indicate that persistence of infected B lymphocytes may be due to failure in the apopotosis mechanism or to the action of T cytotoxic lymphocytes, permitting evolution of SLE.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Antígenos Virales/sangre , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/inmunología , /inmunología , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/virología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Apoptosis/inmunología , Biomarcadores , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/complicaciones , Antígenos Nucleares del Virus de Epstein-Barr/inmunología , /fisiología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/virología , Activación Viral/inmunología